Eyeglasses with detachable adjustable electronics module

ABSTRACT

A detachable adjustable electronics module may be removably or permanently connected to eyewear. The module may include electronics for processing audio and/or video signals. The module may be provided with an adjustable arm, for adjustably carrying a speaker. The module and/or the speaker may be adjusted relative to the wearer in any of the anterior-posterior direction, the inferior-superior direction and laterally. Rotation adjustments may also be accomplished. Eyewear may be provided with only a single module, on a single side, or with two modules, one on each side, such as to provide stereo audio or dual mono sound.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/993,217, filed Nov. 19, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,734, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/628,831, filed Jul.28, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,526, which claims priority from U.S.Provisional No. 60/399,317, filed Jul. 26, 2002 and U.S. Provisional No.60/460,154, filed Apr. 3, 2003, and which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 10/004,543, filed Dec. 4, 2001, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,966,647, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/585,593, filed Jun. 2, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,507; thisapplication is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/022,367, filed Dec. 22, 2004; and this application claims priorityfrom U.S. Provisional No. 60/652,272, filed Feb. 11, 2005, U.S.Provisional No. 60/652,937, filed Feb. 14, 2005, and U.S. ProvisionalNo. 60/729,645, filed Oct. 24, 2005, all of which are incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to wearable audio devices, and inparticular, devices that humans can wear on their heads and whichinclude electronics such as, for example, speakers, microphones,processors, transmitters, receivers, and/or interface electronics forinteracting with a wireless network and/or providing content to a user.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are numerous situations in which it is convenient and preferableto mount audio input and output devices so that they can be worn on thehead of a user. Such devices can be used for portable entertainment,personal communications, and the like. For example, these devices couldbe used in conjunction with cellular telephones, cordless telephones,radios, tape players, MP3 players, portable video systems, hand-heldcomputers and laptop computers.

The audio output for many of these systems is typically directed to thewearer through the use of transducers physically positioned in orcovering the ear, such as earphones and headphones. Earphones andheadphones, however, are often uncomfortable to use for long periods oftime.

In the portable audio playback and cell phone industries, certaindevices for remote audio listening and/or use of a cell phone havebecome more popular. Certain companies have begun to widely distributeportable audio playback devices, such as MP3 players, and headsets forcell phones that allow a user to listen to audio with the use ofheadphones or ear plugs. For example, a user can wear a headset havingspeakers connected by a flexible cable to an MP3 player, which can beworn on the belt. Additionally, certain companies have begun todistribute wireless speaker and microphone modules, such as Bluetoothheadsets, that are worn over the user's ear and allow wirelesscommunication between the user and his cell phone.

However, with such headsets, whenever a user wants to wear glasses orsunglasses, they must adjust or remove the headset from their ears.Further, it is often quite uncomfortable to wear both a headset and apair of sunglasses at the same time. Such discomfort, when applied for along period of time, can cause muscular pain and/or headaches. Inaddition, the flexible cable extending from the MP3 player to theheadphones and the instability of simultaneously wearing eyewear and aheadset can limit mobility of the wearer; particularly thoseparticipating in sporting activities.

Despite the variety of devices available in the prior art, there remainsa need for improved interface electronics and electronics modules, forproviding content to a wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, a dual speaker eyewear system. The system comprises aneyeglass, having a right earstem and a left earstem. A first speaker issupported by the right earstem, and a second speaker is supported by theleft earstem. An electronics module is supported by the eyeglass and inelectrical communication with each of the first and second speakers.

The electronics module may be releasably connected to one of the rightand left earstems. The electronic module may include an MP3 formatmemory, a radio frequency receiver, a radio frequency transmitter, acellular telephone, or other electronic device.

The right speaker may be adjustable relative to the right earstem, toalign the speaker with the wearer's ear.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an electronics module for mounted to eyewear. The modulecomprises a housing, and a clamp moveable mounted to the housing. Aspeaker is moveably mounted to the housing, and electronics arecontained within the housing. The clamp and the speaker are moveable ina manner that permits conversion of the module between a firstconfiguration and a second configuration, wherein the secondconfiguration is a mirror image of the first configuration.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those of skill in the art in view of the detaileddescription of preferred embodiments which follows, when consideredtogether with the attached drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a support assembly in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of another support assembly in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a partial side view of the support assembly of FIG. 2 showinglenses moved out of a wearer's field of view;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another support assembly in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the support assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a detachable module in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the detachable module of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the coupler of the detachable module ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another coupler in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the speaker and arm of the detachablemodule of FIG. 5;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of an internal assembly of the detachablemodule of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views of the grommet of the detachablemodule of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 19 and 20 show one aspect of the angular adjustability of thespeaker and arm of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 21 and 22 show one aspect of the linear translation and positionadjustability of the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 23 shows the rotation of the coupling with respect to the housingof the detachable module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 24 shows the reversibility of the detachable module of FIG. 5 suchthat it may be moved from one earstem of a support to the other earstem;

FIGS. 25 through 28 show the reversibility of the detachable module ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 29 is one embodiment of a method of moving a detachable module fromone earstem of eyewear to the other;

FIG. 30 shows a detachable module in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the clamp assembly of the detachable module ofFIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 33A and 33B are perspective views of coupling assemblies includingthe clamp assembly of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 34A and 34B are perspective views of the housing of detachablemodules suitable to be coupled with the coupling assemblies of FIGS. 33Aand 33B, respectively;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the detachable module of FIG. 30attached to a support;

FIGS. 36A-37B are side views of the detachable module of FIG. 30 coupledto a support, showing an anterior-posterior range of motion and avertical tilt range of motion;

FIGS. 38A-38C are end views of the detachable module of FIG. 35 showinga lateral-medial direction tilt range of motion;

FIG. 39A is one embodiment of an articulating arm suitable to beconnected to the detachable module of FIGS. 30-38C or directly to a pairof eyewear;

FIG. 39B is an exploded perspective view of the articulating arm of FIG.39A;

FIGS. 40-41C are side views of the articulating arm of FIG. 39A showingspecial adjustability of its multiple segments in a lateral-medialdirection;

FIG. 42 is a schematic view of a support assembly in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of one specific embodiment of the supportassembly of FIG. 42.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A support assembly 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The support assembly 100 generallyincludes a support 102 and a detachable module 104, and can be anystructure worn by a wearer that is adapted to carry, hold, or containanother device, such as an electronic device. For example, the supportassembly 100 can be or include an audio device. In addition, the supportassembly 100 can include an eyeglass frame, sports or other protectivegoggle, or other eyewear assembly. Although generally described hereinas a detachable module, the module 104 can also be permanently mounted(by rigid fixation, or adjustably as disclosed in greater detail below)to the earstem, slide rail or other component of the eyeglass or otherheadwear.

The support 102 is generally any structure of capable of being worn thatis also able to carry a device such as an electronic device. The support102 can include any of a variety of wearable structures such as, forexample, a hat, a belt, a vest, an article of clothing, and/or eyewear,including eyeglasses.

The detachable module 104 is any structure capable of being carried bythe support 102. In one embodiment, the detachable module 104 includes ahousing, containing an electronic assembly, as is described in greaterdetail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support 102 includes eyeglasses,which have a frame 106 that can include at least one orbital or lenssupport 108. The orbital 108 is adapted to hold at least one lens 110 inthe field of vision of the wearer of the support assembly 100.

The support 102 also includes at least one earstem 112. The earstem 112is coupled to the frame 106 with a coupling 114 located at the anteriorportion 116 of the earstem 112. In one embodiment, the coupling 114 is ahinge, although the coupling 114 can be any structure known to those ofskill in the art for coupling an earstem 112 to a frame 106. In otherembodiments, the support 102 does not include a coupling 114. In suchembodiments, the earstems 112 are integrally formed with the frame 106.

The earstem 112 includes a support section or rail 118 and a headcontacting portion 120. The rail 118 is designed to engage acorresponding clamp on the detachable module 104. The detachable module104 is detachably coupled to the rail 118 by any of a variety ofmechanisms, such as those described in greater detail below. Thedetachable module 104 is adapted to move with respect to the rail 118.In one embodiment, the detachable module 104 moves along the rail'slongitudinal axis in an anterior-posterior (or posterior-anterior)direction. Axial movement of the detachable module 104 with respect tothe rail 118 may be limited in the anterior direction by an anteriorstop 122, and in the posterior direction by a posterior stop 124.

The head contacting portion 120 of the earstem 112 can be provided withan elastomeric traction device, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,249,001, filed Aug. 27, 1991, which is incorporated by referenceherein. A padded portion on the head contacting portion 120 is generallymade from a soft material, such as a foam, a plastic, cloth, or any of avariety of soft polymers, and provides a comfortable interface betweenthe wearer's head and the support assembly 100 when worn by a user.

In one embodiment, the detachable module 104 includes one or more of acommunication module, a music module, an audio-video module, and/oranother electronics module. In one embodiment, the detachable module 104is a communications module that allows the wearer of the supportassembly 100 to wirelessly communicate with an electronic device. Forexample, the detachable module 104 can include one or more of a speaker,a microphone, a power supply and a Bluetooth or other radio frequencytransceiver for wirelessly communicating with a remote device such as acellular telephone.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the rail 118 is a longitudinalsegment of the earstem 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail 118is concentric with the longitudinal axis of the earstem 112. However, inother embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 2, the rail 118 is spacedan offset distance 126 from the longitudinal axis of the earstem 112.

The orbitals 108 of the support 102 can be integrally formed with theframe 106, such as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, in other embodiments,the orbitals 108 are hingably connected to the frame 106 such asillustrated in FIG. 2A. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, an orbital hinge128 couples the orbital 108 with the frame 106. By hingably coupling theorbital 108 to the frame 106, the lenses 110 may be rotated about ahinge axis and moved out of the wearer's line of sight when desired. Forexample, if lenses 110 include sunglass lenses then orbital hinge 128allows the wearer of the support assembly 100 to lift the lenses 110 outof the field of view when the wearer moves indoors without removing thesupport assembly 100 from his head. In any of the embodiments herein,the lenses may be supported in a “rimless” design as is understood inthe art, in which the lens is attached to the frame or other adjacentcomponents without the use of an orbital.

Another embodiment of a support assembly 100 is illustrated in FIG. 3.In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the rail 118 has anon-round cross-sectional shape to prevent undesired rotation of thedetachable module 104 about the rail 118 longitudinal axis 130. The rail118 cross-sectional shape may be any of a variety of shapes, includingnoncircular shapes to prevent undesired rotation. For example, in oneembodiment, the rail 118 cross-sectional shape is oval, elliptical,square, triangular, or any other noncircular shape. In one embodiment,the rail 118 includes an edge extending along a portion of itslongitudinal axis 130, which prevents rotation of the detachable module104 about the rail 118. The module clamp may be provided withcomplementary clamping surfaces, for conforming to the cross sectionalconfiguration of the rail to permit axial (anterior-posterior)adjustability while resisting or preventing rotation about the axis ofthe rail.

In addition, any of a variety of anti-rotational structures may beprovided with, or coupled to the rail 118 and the detachable module 104.For example, the anti-rotational structure can include a high frictionsurface to provide a friction fit, a locking arrangement, a pin, or anyother structure known to those of skill in the art. In otherembodiments, the rail 118 has a substantially circular cross-sectionalshape and the detachable module 104 includes a suitable structure forpreventing rotation of the detachable module 104 about the rail 118longitudinal axis 130. For example, the detachable module 104 caninclude a friction mount, a rubber or elastomeric polymer pad, or otherlocking mechanism to prevent rotation about the rail 118.

The anterior stop 122 and posterior stop 124 define an adjustment length132 over which the detachable module 104 may be repositioned withrespect to the frame 106. In one embodiment, the adjustment length 132is at least about one half inch, often at least about an inch, sometimesat least about two inches, and other times at least three inches ormore. The adjustment length 132 defines a range of travel 134 of thedetachable module 104 and other components coupled thereto (such as aspeaker), as described in greater detail below.

The rail 118 can be located at any of a variety of locations withrespect to the frame 106. In general, the rail 118 is located in theanterior two-thirds of the earstem 112. Alternatively, the rail 118 isin the anterior half of the earstem 112.

One embodiment of a detachable module 104 is illustrated in FIGS. 5-11.The detachable module 104 includes a housing 140 and a coupling 142. Thecoupling 142 allows the detachable module 104 to be removably connectedto the earstem 112 of support 102 of the support assembly 100. Coupling142 also provides adjustability of the position and angular orientationof the detachable module 104 with respect to the support 102.

The detachable module 104 also includes at least one speaker 144. Theillustrated speaker 144 is adjustably carried by the detachable module104 may with an arm 146. The detachable module 104 may also include aport cover 148 to cover a data port as will be described in greaterdetail below.

When the support assembly 100 is worn on the wearer's head, the positionof the detachable module 104 with respect to the support 102 may beadjusted so that the speaker 144 comfortably resides at least partiallyover the wearer's ear. Additional details regarding the adjustability ofthe speaker 144 with respect to the detachable module 104 and thesupport 102 will be described in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 18 and FIGS. 19-22. In addition, further multiaxial adjustabilitystructures are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/022,367,filed Dec. 22, 2004, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/993,217,filed Nov. 19, 2004, the disclosure of which are incorporated in theirentireties herein by reference.

In one embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 5, a speaker 144 iscoupled to an arm 146 at a speaker pivot 150. The speaker pivot allowsadjustment of the position of the speaker 150 with respect to the arm146. The arm 146 is coupled to the housing 140 of the detachable module104 at an arm pivot 152.

Arm pivot 152 is any of a variety of mechanical structures able to allowone member to adjust in at least its angular orientation in at least onedimension with respect to another. For example, as illustrated in FIG.8, the arm pivot 152 allows inferior and superior movement of the distalend 154 of the arm 144, thereby adjusting a first arm angle 156. Thefirst arm angle 156 is generally in the range of from about 3° to 45°,often from about 5° to 25°, sometimes about 10° to 25°, and in someembodiments, greater than at least 10°.

In addition, the distal end 154 of the arm 146 can be moved in a lateraldirection, thereby adjusting second arm angle 158, as best seen in theview of FIG. 4. The second arm angle 158 is generally in the range ofabout 2° to 25°, often about 5° to 15°, and in some embodiments, about10°.

In addition, the arm pivot 152 provides rotational movement of arm 146with respect to the housing 140 of the distal module 104. For example,in one embodiment, arm pivot 152 allows arm 146 to be rotated at least180° about the housing axis 160, as will be described in greater detailbelow.

The speaker pivot 150 provides similar adjustability of the speaker 144with respect to the arm 146. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, thespeaker pivot 150 allows movement of the speaker 144 to a desired firstspeaker angle 162. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a secondspeaker angle 164 may also be selected by rotating the speaker 144 aboutthe speaker pivot 150.

Adjustability of the detachable module 104 with respect to the support102, adjustability of the arm 146 with respect to the housing 140, andadjustability of the speaker 144 with respect to the arm 146 allow fulladjustability and positioning of the position of the speaker 144 withrespect to a user's ear when the support assembly 100 is worn by a user.In addition, the adjustability provides improved comfort for the wearer.

An exploded view of one implementation of detachable module 104 isillustrated in FIG. 12. The detachable module 104 includes a housing140, which includes a first body portion 166 and a second body portion168. The housing 140 is formed by attaching the first body portion 166to the second body portion 168 along a part line, to provide aprotective outer wall which defines at least one interior cavity forhousing electronics. At least partially inside of the housing 140 are apower module 170, an electronics module 172, a data port 174 and aholder 176 that supports a microphone 178. The body portions 166, 168may be made from any of a variety of materials, including plastic ormetal. Alternatively, the module 104 can be formed entirely or partiallyby insert molding or co-molding processes to produce embeddedelectronics in a unitary or monolithic module.

The power supply 170 is any of a variety of power structures able topower a detachable module 104. For example, power module 170 may includea battery, a capacitor, or other power supply.

The electronics module 172 includes electronics for receiving signalsfrom an external source and providing audio signals to the wearerthrough the speaker 144, such as for receiving audio, audio-video orvideo only signals. In addition, the electronics module 172 may alsoallow signals received by the electronics module 172 through themicrophone 178 to be transmitted to a external receiver. For example, inone embodiment, electronics module 172 includes a Bluetooth transceiver.

Data port 174 is any port for coupling the detachable module 104 to anexternal source through a wired or wireless connection. For example, inone embodiment, data port 174 is a mini-USB port, a USB port, a firewire port, an IEEE 1394 connection port, or any other data port. Aholder 176 can be provided to secure the microphone 178 in place. In oneembodiment, the holder 176 includes a grommet, such as any of thoseknown to those of skill in the art. In addition, the holder 176 can alsoinclude a windscreen to filter wind noise from being received by themicrophone 178.

Any of a variety of couplings can be utilized with the module 104 of thepresent invention, for releasably or permanently attaching the module104 to an eyeglass frame or other support. In many application,releasable connection is preferred. The coupling may be an integralcomponent of the module 104, or may be attached to the module 104. Ingeneral, the coupling will include at least a first coupling surface forcontacting a first surface on the rail or other support from which thecoupling will depend, and a second coupling surface for contacting asecond surface on the support. The first and second coupling surfacesare generally moveable with respect to each other, such as to permitpositioning the coupling over or around the structure to which it is tobe attached, and then tightened to the structure by bringing the firstand second coupling surfaces towards each other.

The configuration of the first and second coupling surfaces, or third orfourth or more, depending upon the design, can be provided with any of avariety of configurations. Normally, the coupling surfaces will beconfigured in a manner that cooperates with the complementary shape ofthe rail, earstem, or other component to which they are to be attached.

In an embodiment of the present invention in which the module 104 maypreferably be attached at the user's choice to either a left earstem ora right earstem of an eyeglass, the coupling is preferably pivotably orotherwise moveably connected to the module 104, to permit shiftingbetween a “right hand” and “left hand” coupling configuration. Certainspecific examples will be given below. Alternatively, in certainembodiments of the invention, a left hand module and a right hand modulewill be sold as a system, such as for receipt of stereo signals formusic, audio/visual sound tracking, or for use in a dual mono systemsuch as cell phone. In this application, the coupling may be permanentlymounted to the housing 104, in an immovable fashion, with a first module104 adapted for coupling to left earstem and a second module 104 adaptedfor coupling to a right earstem. Certain specific embodiments of thecoupling systems will be described below.

A coupling 142 in accordance with the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling 142 includes anupper portion 180, a lower portion 182, and a pin 184. The pin 184hingably connects the upper portion 180 with the lower portion 182. Amount 186 attached to or integrally formed with the lower portion 182provides an attachment mechanism between the coupling 142 and thehousing 140 of the distal module 104. The mount 186 also providesangular adjustability of the housing 140 with respect to the coupling142. Additional details regarding angular adjustability in this regardwill be discussed in greater detail below.

The coupling 142 can include any of a variety of locking mechanisms 188to allow opening and closing of the coupling 142. The upper portion 180is movable with respect to the lower portion 182 when the lockingmechanism 188 is released. Such moveability of the upper and lowerportions 180, 182 allow the coupling 142 to at least partially surroundand enclose a portion of a rail (not shown), such as rail 118 describedabove.

In addition, the locking mechanism 188 can be released to remove thecoupling 142 from the rail. In other embodiments, locking mechanism 188loosens the grip of the coupling 142 on the rail so that the detachablemodule 104 can be slid along the rail, as described in greater detailabove.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 188 has two states: a lockstate and an open state. In the lock state, the coupling 142 may not beinadvertently moved along the rail under normal use conditions. In theopen state, the coupling 142 may be moved along or removed from therail.

In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 188 has three states: alock state, an open state, and an adjust state. The lock and open statesare the same as described above. The adjust state allows the coupling142 to be moved or slid along the rail but does not allow the coupling142 to be removed from the rail. Another embodiment of a coupling 142shown in an open state is illustrated in FIG. 14.

An exploded view of a speaker support arm 146 is illustrated in FIG. 15.A bellow 190 is provided over a grill 192, which at least partiallycovers speaker 144 over its sound output surface 194. A vent screen 196resides between the speaker 144 and a bud 198. The speaker pivot 150 isformed by two laterally flexible tangs 151 that extend into and providea rotatable snap fit within the orifice 163 of a boom 165. A cap 167covers the tangs 151 of the speaker pivot 150. A cover 161 is placedbetween the bud 198 and the boom 165 to cover at least one surface ofthe boom 165, and enclose wires leading to the speaker 144.

A hub 169 extends through a ring 171 and through the boom 165 where itis pivotably coupled to the mating portion 173 of a base 175. A pin 177removably and hingably couples the mating portion 173 to the hub 169 andtherefore the boom 165. The arm pivot 152 is provided by the coupling ofthe base 175 and hub 169.

As discussed previously in connection with FIG. 4, the speaker and boomassembly may also be rotatably connected to the housing 104 about anaxis 160, which extends in the illustrated embodiment in theanterior/posterior direction. This rotation may be accomplished by theprovision of one or more arcuate slots 179, illustrated in FIG. 15, forreceiving a pin or other complementary structure on the module 104, topermit rotation through a controlled range of motion as will be apparentto those of skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein.

In one embodiment, the speaker 144 is a rip curl speaker. In anotherembodiment, the speaker 144 has an outside diameter of no more than 9mm, no more than about 11 mm, or about 13 mm or more.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the power module 170 can include a battery,such as an ATL501230 battery, as is well known to those of skill in theart. The power module 170 can be coupled to the electronics module 172with an adhesive 181. The electronics module 172 can be coupled to microswitches 183 which are accessed by the user by pressing buttons 185. Inone embodiment, the detachable module 104 includes three switches.

The switches can include any of a variety of switches known to those ofskill in the art, including micro switches, snap switches, and domeswitches. In one embodiment, the switches 183 are snap dome F06180switches. The detachable module 104 can have three switches 183,although any number of switches 183 can be used. An LED 187 providesstatus indication to the wearer.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the microphone grommet 176 of thedetachable module 104 can be made from any of a variety of materialswell known to those of skill in the art, including: PTFE, polyethylene,polyurethane, or TPE. In addition, the grommet 176 can have a hardnessor stiffness of about 20 to 30 durometers, about 40 to 50 durometers,about 60 durometers, or about 70 durometers.

A windscreen can be provided with the grommet 176 to reduce noise. Forexample, in one embodiment, the windscreen is a Saatifil screen. Themicrophone 178 can be any of a variety of microphones known to those ofskill in the art, including a star microphone, such as microphone PartNo. MAA-03A-L60.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, and as discussed above, speaker andarm pivots 150, 152 allow movement of the speaker 144 and arm 146 withrespect to the detachable module 104 housing 140. In one embodiment, thefirst speaker angle 162 over which the speaker 144 may be moved, is upto about 100 degrees. In another embodiment, the first speaker angle 162is about ±45 degrees with respect to the arm axis 230. In anotherembodiment, the first speaker angle 162 is at least about ±5 degrees,sometimes at least about ±20 degrees, and sometimes at least about ±45degrees.

In one embodiment, the detachable module 104 can be adjusted so that thespeaker, arm, and housing 140 are aligned along the housing axis 160 asillustrated in FIG. 20.

Referring now to FIG. 21, movement of the coupling 142 with respect tothe rail 118 over an adjustment length 132 results in a correspondingtranslation of the detachable module 104 with respect to the support102. In addition, movement of the coupling 142 over the rail 118 overthe adjustment length 132 or a portion thereof will result in a relatedmovement of speaker 144 with respect to the support 102 and with respectto the wearer's ears. Although FIGS. 21 and 22 show movement of thedetachable module 104 over the entire adjustment length 132, in otherembodiments, coupling 142 is used to move detachable module 104 only aportion of the full adjustment length 132.

In one embodiment, the coupling 142 is released from the rail or othersupport by rotating the coupling 142 with respect to the housing 140. Inone embodiment, the housing 140 is rotated at least about 45 degrees andpreferably about 90 degrees to release the coupling 142. By releasingthe coupling 142 as illustrated in FIG. 23, the detachable module 104may be removed from the support 102. It may be desirable to remove thedetachable module 104 from the support 102 to either change thedetachable module 104 with another component, such as another detachablemodule that provides different functionality, or to mount the detachablemodule 104 on the opposite earstem 112 of the support 102.

To move the detachable module 104 from one earstem 112 of the support102 to the opposite earstem 112, the coupling 142 is released, asillustrated in FIG. 24. The arm 146 is then rotated about the housingaxis 160. In addition, the speaker 144 is rotated about the arm axis 230as well. In addition, the coupling 142 can be rotated about a couplingaxis 232 as well. Additional details regarding the lead positioning ofthe detachable module 104 from a right earstem 112 to a left earstem 112are illustrated in FIGS. 25-28.

In FIG. 25 a detachable module 104 is shown coupled to the right earstem112 of a support 102. The coupling 142 is in its closed position tosecure the detachable module 104 to the earstem 112. In FIG. 26 thedetachable module 104 has been rotated with respect to the earstem 112to release the coupling 142. The coupling 142 is shown in its openposition such that the detachable module 104 can be removed from theearstem 112. The detachable module 104 is then positioned with respectto the left earstem 112, as illustrated in FIG. 27. The speaker 144 hasbeen rotated about the arm axis 230 so that its acoustical output willbe directed towards the wearer's ear. Finally, as shown in FIG. 28, thecoupling 142 is pinched closed to lock the detachable module 104 to theleft earstem 112 of the support 102.

One method 300 of moving a detachable module from one earstem to theother is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 29.

At block 302, the coupler of the detachable module is opened. At block304, the detachable housing removed from the rail of the earstem. Atblock 306, the housing is rotated with respect to the coupler to put thehousing and coupler in position for mounting the detachable housing tothe opposite earstem. At block 308, the arm is rotated about 180 degreesabout the housing axis. At block 310, the speaker is rotated withrespect to the arm axis. At block 312, the coupler is placed over theopposite earstem. At block 314, the arm angles, speaker angles, anddetachable housing position on the rail are adjusted to comfortablyposition the speaker at least partially over the ear. At block 316, thecoupler is locked onto the opposite earstem rail.

Another embodiment of a detachable module 200 is illustrated in FIG. 30.The detachable module 200 includes a coupling 202 and a housing 204. Thecoupling 202 includes a clamp assembly 206 that is coupled to a slide208 with a pin 210. The pin 210 has a longitudinal axis 211 about whichthe slide 208 may be rotated with respect to the clamp assembly 206. Thedetachable module 200 often also includes an articulating arm or a boomto which an audio input or output device is attached. For example, insome embodiments, the detachable module includes an articulating arm anda speaker, such as the articulating arm described below with respect toFIGS. 39A-41C.

The clamp assembly 206 includes an inside grip 212, an outside grip 214,a resilient, conformable gripping pad 216 (such as best seen in FIG.31), a spring 218, and a release 220. The release 220 can be any of avariety of structures to open the clamp assembly 206, including abutton, lever, switch, tab, or knob. The clamp assembly 206 allows thedetachable module 200 to be removably connected to any of a variety ofstructures, including the frame of a pair of eyeglasses. Many eyeglassframes have irregular, uneven, or non-uniform earstems, which makes itdifficult to attach components to the eyeglasses. However, a universalclamp, such as the clamp assembly 206, allows the detachable module 200to be removably connected to any of a variety of eyeglass framestructures, including those having irregular, uneven, and/or non-uniformearstems. Additional details regarding the coupling between the clampassembly 206 of the detachable module 200 and an eyeglass frame areprovided herein.

An exploded view of one embodiment of a clamp assembly 206 isillustrated in FIG. 32. The inside and outside grips 212, 214 of theclamp assembly 206 matingly engage each other over a clamp post 221. Theclamp post 221 can include any of a variety of structures well known tothose of skill in the art, including a Mattel pin. A spring 218surrounds the clamp post 221. A release 220 is attached to the end ofthe clamp post 221 using any of a variety of methods, includingpressing, gluing, welding, pinning, or screwing the release 220 to theclamp post 221. The release 220 prevents removal from the spring 218from the clamp post 221 and allows the inside and outside grips 212, 214to be separated apart from one another in order to release thedetachable module 200 from the device to which it is attached, such asan eyeglass frame.

A coupling assembly 202 is formed by attaching the clamp assembly 206 toa slide 208, as illustrated in FIGS. 33A and 33B. The slide 208 caninclude a male member, such as a rail 222, or a female member, such as atrack 224, as seen in FIGS. 33A and 33B, respectively. The slide 208matingly engages a corresponding mating surface 226 on the housing 204of the detachable module 200. For example, when a male slide 208, suchas illustrated in FIG. 33A is selected, the mating surface 226 of thehousing 204 can be a track 228, such as illustrated in FIG. 34A.Similarly, when a female slide 208 is selected, such as illustrated inFIG. 33B, the corresponding mating surface 226 of the housing 204 can bea rail 230, such as illustrated in FIG. 34B.

The detachable module 200 can be attached to a support 232 asillustrated in FIG. 35. The support 232 can be any of a variety ofwearable items, including a pair of eyeglasses, a hat, belt, skigoggles, etc. The coupling 202 is released by pressing on the release220, which causes the inside grip 212 and outside grip 214 to separateand move apart from one another. When the inside and outside grips 212,214 are separated, the coupling 202 can be positioned over the earstem234 of a support 232. By squeezing the inside and outside grips 212, 214together, the detachable module 200 can be secured to the earstem 234 ofthe support 232 as illustrated in FIG. 47. The coupling 202 can besecured to the support 232 in any of a variety of locations as desiredby the wearer.

The configuration of the gripping pad 216 can facilitate connectivitybetween the detachable module 200 and any of a variety of surfaces orshapes of the support earstem 234. For example, the gripping pad 216 canbe made from any of a variety of elastomeric materials, including foams,plastics, or any compliant material that can conform to the shape of theearstem 234 when the coupling 202 is attached thereto. In addition, thegripping pad 216 can have any of a variety of surface shapes andtextures, including a flat surface, a wavy surface, a rippled surface, acontoured surface, etc. Gripping pads 216 having a contoured surface areillustrated in FIG. 31. In addition, the thickness of the gripping pad216 can be selected to facilitate connectivity between the coupling 202and the support 232. In one embodiment, the gripping pad 216 thicknessis in the range of about 0.5 mm to 2 mm, about 1 mm to 3 mm, or about 3mm thick.

An overmold may be provided on the mating surface 226 of the housing 204to provide additional friction between the housing 204 and slide 208.Additional friction may be desired to prevent accidental or undesiredmovement of the housing 204 with respect to the slide 208. In addition,the mating surface 226 of the housing 204 can include a detent whichprevents the slide 208 of the coupling 202 from unintentionally slidingoff of or detaching from the housing 204.

The coupling 202 of the detachable module 200 allows the detachablemodule 200 to be attached to any of a variety of locations on an eyewearon a support 232 frame. For example, in some embodiments, the support232 includes a pair of eyeglasses having earstems 234 of a non-uniformshape. One example of such earstem 234 is illustrated in FIGS. 36A and36B.

The detachable module 200 can be moved in anterior and posteriordirections with respect to the earstem 234 once the detachable module200 is attached to the earstem 234. FIG. 36A shows the detachable module200 moved in an anterior direction and FIG. 36B shows the detachablemodule 200 moved in a posterior direction. The anterior-posterior traveldistance over which the detachable module 200 can be moved with respectto the earstem 234 can be defined by the length of the mating surface226 of the housing 204 and the length of the slide 208 of the coupling202. The travel distance is at least about 0.25 inches, generally atleast about 0.75 inches and often at least about 1 inch or 1.5 inches ormore. This travel distance, or adjustment length, can be selected toprovide adjustability of the detachable module 200, not only withrespect to the earstem 234, but also with respect to the wearer's ear.An articulating arm, or speaker boom (not shown), is often attached tothe detachable module 200 and can include any of a variety of speakermounts such as though described above or below.

The angular orientation of the detachable module 200 with respect to theearstem 234 may be adjusted as well. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 37A and 37B, the axial angle 236 formed between the earstemlongitudinal axis 238 and the detachable module longitudinal axis 240may be selected by adjusting the angular orientation of the coupling 202with respect to the earstem 234 during attachment.

In addition, a tilt angle 242 in the medial-lateral direction can beselected by rotating the housing 204 of the detachable module 200 aboutan axis such as pin 210. The tilt angle 242, as illustrated in FIGS.38A-38C, can be at least about plus ±5°, at least about ±10° to 20°, orgreater.

In many embodiments, the detachable housing has an articulating arm 244such as illustrated in FIGS. 39A and 39B. The articulating arm 244provides an extension from the detachable housing onto which anelectrical component, such as a speaker, may be mounted. For example,the articulating arm 244 can include a first segment 246, a secondsegment 248, and a third segment 250 that are connected to each other byany of a variety of couplings well known to those of skill in the art.For example, the coupling can be a ball 252 and socket 254 assembly,such as illustrated in FIG. 39B.

The first segment 246 is connected to a housing, such as any of thedetachable housings described above, and the second segment 248. Thesecond segment 248 is connected to the first and third segments 246,250. The third segment 250 is connected at one end to the second segment248 and at the other end to a speaker (not shown). A conductor orconductor pair (also not shown) extends from the speaker to thedetachable housing.

Although the present embodiment describes an articulating arm 244coupled to a detachable housing, it should be well understood by thoseof skill in the art that the articulating arm 244 may instead beattached directly to the earstem of a support, such as a pair ofeyeglasses, a helmet, goggle straps or others. In such cases, electronicdevices, such as MP3 players, cell phones, wireless transceivers, etc.can be embedded or mounted inside of the eyeglass frame instead of beingcarried by the detachable housing.

A side view of one embodiment of an articulating arm 244 is illustratedin FIG. 40. FIG. 40 illustrates one orientation of the various segments246, 248, 250 of the articulating arm 244 with respect to the housing204 of a detachable module 200. Although the articulating arm 244 isshown coupled to the housing 204 of a detachable module 200, thearticulating arm 244 may alternatively be coupled directly to theearstem of a pair of eyeglasses, as discussed above.

Each of the first, second and third segments 246, 248, 250 have alongitudinal axis parallel to a reference axis x, x′, x″. Each of thereference axes x, x′, x″ defines one of three dimensions of a referencesystem for describing the orientation of the particular segment 246,248, 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the x reference axis isparallel to the longitudinal axis of the first segment 246 and is alsoperpendicular to a z axis which can define the longitudinal axis of thehousing 204 of the detachable module 200. A third axis y isperpendicular to both the x and z axes.

A second reference system includes an x′ axis that is parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the second segment 248 and which can be tangentialto an outside surface of the second segment 248. Similarly, y′ and z′reference axes are perpendicular to each other and the x′ axis and areparallel to the y and y″ axes when the x′ axis is oriented parallel tothe x axis.

In addition, an x″ reference axis extends parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the third segment 250 and is generally tangential to an exterioror an outside surface of the third segment 250. Similarly, y″ and z″reference axes are perpendicular to each other and to the x″ axis aswell. Like the reference systems described above, the y″ axis isparallel to both the y and y′ axes when the x″ axis is oriented suchthat it is parallel to both the x and x′ axes. Similarly, the z″ axis isparallel to both the z and z′ axes when the x″ axis is oriented parallelto both the x and x′ axes. This linear orientation of the articulatingarm 244 is illustrated in FIG. 40 where all three reference axes, x, x′,x″, are oriented parallel to each other.

The articulating arm 244 can be manipulated in a variety of planes andmoved and rotated in a variety of manners to change the distance andangular orientation between the housing 204 of the detachable module 200and a speaker attached to the third segment 250 of the articulating arm244. For example, in one embodiment, the first segment 246 of thearticulating arm 244 can rotate freely about the y axis in the xz planeand is limited in its movement only by contact with the housing 204 ofthe detachable module 200 or by contact with the support 232 (notshown). The first segment 246 can generally rotate about 340°, about300° to 350°, or at least 325° about the y axis. The second segment 248can rotate about the y′ axis freely, also generally limited only bycontact with the housing 204 of the detachable module 200 or by contactwith the support. In addition, the second segment 248 can tilt withrespect to the x′z′ plane. For example, in one embodiment, the secondsegment 248 can tilt +15°/−0° with respect to the x′z′ plane. In otherembodiments, the second segment 248 can tilt at least about ±5°, orabout ±10° with respect to the x′z′ plane.

The third segment 250 can rotate about the y″ axis and is generallylimited by the design of the ball 252 and socket 254 joint between thesecond and third segments 248, 250. In one embodiment, the third segment250 can rotate about ±85° about the y″ axis. In addition, the thirdsegment 250 can tilt with respect to the x′z′ plane. For example, in oneembodiment, the third segment 250 tilts about +0°/−15°, about ±5°, orabout ±10° with respect to the x″z″ plane.

By selecting different angular orientations between the varioussegments, the angular orientation between the speaker 256 mounted on thethird segment 250 of the articulating arm 244 with respect to thehousing 204 of the detachable module 200 can be adjusted as well.Examples of such adjustments are illustrated in FIGS. 41A-41C. In FIG.41A, the second segment 248 is tilted to an angle 151 which is itsmaximum positive angle with respect to the xz plane, and the thirdsegment 250 is not tilted with respect to the x′z′ plane. In such case,the tilt angle between the speaker 256 and the housing 204 is the sameas the maximum positive tilt angle 153 of the second segment 248.

FIG. 41B, the second segment 248 is not tilted, but the third segment250 is tilted to an angle 153, which is the maximum negative angle withrespect to the xz plane. In such case, the tilt angle 153 between thespeaker 256 and the housing 204 is equal to the maximum negative tiltangle of the third segment 250.

Finally, in FIG. 41C, the second segment 248 is tilted to its maximumpositive angle and the third segment 250 is tilted to its maximumnegative angle with respect to the xz plane. In such case, the angletilt will be equal to the difference between the max tilt angle of thesecond segment 248 and the maximum negative angle of the third segment250. When the maximum positive tilt angle of the second segment 248 isequal to the maximum negative angle of the third segment 250, thespeaker 256 will generally be oriented about parallel to the xz plane.

FIG. 42 shows a support assembly 300 in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. The support assembly is generally any deviceable to be worn by a user that can carry one or more electroniccomponents thereon. For example, the support assembly 300 can include anarticle of clothing, such as a hat, a shirt, a belt, jacket, helmet or apair of eyewear such as goggles or eyeglasses.

The support assembly 300 generally includes a support 302, a firstdetachable module 304, and a second detachable module 306. The first andsecond detachable modules 304, 306 communicate with each other via acommunication link 308. The detachable modules 304, 306 can be any ofthe detachable modules described herein. For example, the detachablemodules 304, 306 can be a housing including electronics for an MP3player, an audio storage device, a streaming audio signal receiver, acellular telephone, a Bluetooth transceiver, or any other electricaldevice for providing audio or video input or output.

The support 302 is any structure able to be worn by the user such as,for example, a pair of eyeglasses. The communication link 308 is anywired or wireless link able to provide communication between two or moreelectrical components. For example, the communication link 308 can be awired link, such as a flexible wire or a preformed wire, which may bepermanently connected or unplugable at one or both of its ends. When thecommunication link 308 is a wire link, it may be unplugable at its endsso that it may be detached from each of the detachable modules 304, 306.The communication link 308 can be provided at any location with respectto the support 302. For example, the communication link 308 can includea wire or conductor located within and/or coupled to the support. Forexample, the communication link 308 can be a wire that hangs off theback of the support 302.

FIG. 43 illustrates one specific embodiment of the support assembly 300.In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly 300 includes a pairof eyeglasses as the support 302. First and second detachable modules304, 306 are attached to each of the first and second earstems 310,respectively, of the support 302. The detachable modules 304, 306 arecoupled to each other with a wired communication link 308 that in theillustrated embodiment runs along the frame of the support 302. In oneembodiment, the communication link 308 spans or traverses a nose bridgeformed between the orbitals of the support 302.

The detachable modules 304, 306, as described herein, can include any ofa variety of electrical components. In some embodiments, the detachablemodules 304, 306 include different components. For example, in oneembodiment, the first detachable module 304 carries a cellulartelephone, and the second detachable module carries an MP3 player.Alternatively, the first detachable module 304 can include an RF (e.g.,Bluetooth) transceiver adapted to communicate with another Bluetoothdevice, such as a Bluetooth-enabled telephone, and the second detachablemodule 306 can include an MP3 player or any other audio or video inputor output device. In yet another embodiment, both the first and seconddetachable modules 304, 306 include Bluetooth transceivers and/or bothinclude cellular telephones. It will be apparent to those of skill inthe art that the support assembly 300 can therefore provide either dualmono or stereo audio for devices, such as telephones, that havehistorically provided only single-channel audio signals.

Although the support assemblies 300 are shown in FIG. 43 as havingdetachable modules 304, 306, in other embodiments, the electroniccircuitry of the detachable modules 304, 306 is mounted inside of thesupport 302 itself. For example, in some embodiments, the electronicdevices are mounted inside of the support 302 and the articulated armdescribed and an articulated arm that is coupled to a speaker is mountedto the support 302 as well. In other embodiments, the electroniccomponents are mounted inside of the articulated arm itself and notinside the articulated arm. In other embodiments, the electroniccomponents are provided inside of the arm and the arm is removablyattached to the frame or is removably attached to the support 302.Finally, in yet other embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 43, the electronic components are provided inside of removablemodules 304, 306 which are removably attached to the support 302. Insuch cases, the detachable modules 304, 306 also include articulatingarms, such as described herein. Examples of support assemblies havingelectronic circuitry mounted within the support itself are taught inU.S. application Ser. No. 10/993,217, filed Nov. 19, 2004 and U.S.application Ser. No. 11/022,367, filed Dec. 22, 2004, which areincorporated by reference herein.

The support assembly 300 can be configured such that the first andsecond detachable modules 304, 306 each individually communicate with acellular telephone. For example, each of the first and second detachablemodules 304, 306 can each include a Bluetooth transceiver adapted tocommunicate via the Bluetooth protocol with a cellular telephone, orwith more than one cellular telephone. Alternatively, in otherembodiments, the first detachable module 304 includes a wirelessBluetooth transceiver adapted to communicate with a cellular telephone,and the second detachable module 306 includes the mechanical andelectrical components for supporting and positioning and powering aspeaker that is in communication with the electronics of the firstdetachable module 304. In such case, communication from the cellulartelephone is received by the first detachable module 304 and audiosignals are provided to a user's first ear by a speaker coupled to thefirst detachable module 304 and audio signals from the cellulartelephone are provided to the wearer's second ear via a speaker coupledto the second detachable module 306 that is in communication with thefirst detachable module 304.

The support assembly 300 of the present invention can include any of avariety of additional features for improving and enhancing usability bya wearer. For example, the support assembly 300 can include softwarethat provides the wearer with oral popdown-type menus for navigatingthrough the multitude of commands that may be available. For example, byproviding voice control over system functionality, the user need notmanipulate mechanical buttons, switches or controls on the supportassembly 300 in order to select different support assemblycommunication, audio, video functions.

In addition, the support assembly 300 can include noise cancellationhardware and/or software to reduce or eliminate noise provided to thewearer of the support assembly 300 during use and communication. Inaddition, in some embodiments, the support assembly 300 includes a boneconduction microphone to transfer audio information from the wearer.These features are well known to those of skill in the art.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of a certainpreferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiment to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventionand obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In particular, whilethe present support assembly, support, detachable module and methodshave been described in the context of a particularly preferredembodiment, the skilled artisan will appreciate, in view of the presentdisclosure, that certain advantages, features and aspects of the supportassembly, support, detachable module and method may be realized in avariety of other devices. Additionally, it is contemplated that variousaspects and features of the invention described can be practicedseparately, combined together, or substituted for one another, and thata variety of combination and sub-combinations of the features andaspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the invention.Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention hereindisclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodimentdescribed above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of theclaims that follow.

1. A dual speaker eyewear system, comprising: an eyeglass, having afirst ear stem and a second earstem; a first speaker supported by thefirst earstem; a second speaker supported by the second earstem; and anelectronics module supported by the first earstem and in electricalcommunication with each of the first and second speakers, wherein theelectronics module comprises a connector that allows the electronicsmodule to be rotated with respect to the first ear stem and to bereleasably connected to the first ear stem.
 2. A dual speaker eyewearsystem as in claim 1, wherein the electronics module includes an MP3format memory.
 3. A dual speaker eyewear system as in claim 1, whereinthe electronics module includes a radio frequency receiver.
 4. A dualspeaker eyewear system as in claim 1, wherein the electronics moduleincludes a radio frequency transmitter.
 5. A dual speaker eyewear systemas in claim 1, wherein the electronics module includes a cellulartelephone.
 6. A dual speaker eyewear system as in claim 1, wherein thefirst speaker is adjustable relative to the right earstem.
 7. A dualspeaker eyewear system as in claim 1, further comprising an articulatingarm that couples the first speaker to the right earstem.
 8. Anelectronics module for mounting to eyewear, comprising: a housing; aclamp movably mounted to the housing; a speaker movably mounted to thehousing; and electronics contained in the housing; wherein the clamp andspeaker are movable in a manner that permits conversion of the modulebetween a first configuration and a second configuration which is amirror image of the first configuration.
 9. An electronics module formounting to eyewear as in claim 8, wherein said electronics comprise adigital music player.
 10. An electronics module for mounting to eyewearas in claim 8, wherein said electronics comprise a memory for storing adigital music file.
 11. An electronics module for mounting to eyewear asin claim 8, wherein said electronics comprise a radio frequencytransmitter.
 12. An electronics module for mounting to eyewear as inclaim 8, wherein said electronics comprise a radio frequency receiver.13. An electronics module for mounting to eyewear as in claim 8, whereinsaid electronics comprise a cellular telephone.
 14. An electronicsmodule for mounting to eyewear as in claim 8, further comprising anarticulating arm that couples the speaker to the housing.
 15. A kit forelectronically enabling eyewear, comprising: a first speaker, adjustablyconnected to a first clamp; a second speaker adjustably connected to asecond clamp; source electronics; and wiring connecting the first andsecond speakers to the source electronics wherein the first speaker,second speaker, source electronics, and wiring are configured to beremovably attached to an eyewear.
 16. A kit for electronically enablingeyewear as in claim 15, wherein said source electronics comprises adigital music player.
 17. A kit for electronically enabling eyewear asin claim 15, wherein said source electronics comprises a radio frequencytransmitter.
 18. A kit for electronically enabling eyewear as in claim15, wherein said source electronics comprises a radio frequencyreceiver.
 19. A kit for electronically enabling eyewear as in claim 15,wherein said source electronics comprises a cellular telephone.
 20. Adual speaker eyewear system, comprising: an eyeglass, having a right earstem and a left earstem; a first speaker supported by the right earstem;a second speaker supported by the left earstem; and an electronicsmodule supported by the eyeglass and in electrical communication witheach of the first and second speakers, wherein the electronics module isreleaseably connected to one of the right and left earstems, and whereinthe electronics module includes an MP3 format memory.
 21. A dual speakereyewear system as in claim 19, wherein the electronics module includes aradio frequency receiver.
 22. A dual speaker eyewear system as in claim19, wherein the electronics module includes a radio frequencytransmitter.
 23. A dual speaker eyewear system as in claim 19, whereinthe electronics module includes a cellular telephone.
 24. A dual speakereyewear system as in claim 19, wherein the first speaker is adjustablerelative to the right earstem.
 25. A dual speaker eyewear system as inclaim 19, further comprising an articulating arm that couples the firstspeaker to the right earstem.